Building-related illnesses are caused by exposure to substances within airtight buildings that have poor ventilation.
Symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose or congestion, headaches, skin problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Diagnosis usually includes evaluating the air quality of the building and determining how many people experience building-related symptoms.
Treatment is usually removal from the building or improvement of air quality within the building.
(See also Overview of Environmental Lung Diseases Overview of Environmental Lung Diseases Environmental lung diseases are caused by harmful particles, mists, vapors, or gases that are inhaled, usually while people work. If the lung disease is due to inhaled particles, the term pneumoconiosis... read more .)
Building-related illnesses are a group of disorders whose cause is linked to the environment of modern airtight, energy-efficient buildings. Such buildings are characterized by sealed windows and dependence on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for circulation of air. Most cases occur in nonindustrial office buildings, but illnesses can occur in apartment buildings, single-family homes, schools, museums, and libraries.
Building-related illnesses can be
Specific
Nonspecific
Specific building-related illnesses
Specific building-related illnesses are those illnesses for which a link between building-related exposure and illness is proved. Examples include
Inhalational fever
Inhalational fever is a fever caused by exposure to organic (made of materials that contain carbon and are part of living organisms) aerosols or dusts. Metal fumes and polymer fumes can also cause fever. The term organic dust toxic syndrome has been used to encompass the flu-like symptoms that occur in people exposed to organic dust that is contaminated with bacteria. Toxic pneumonitis is a commonly used but less specific term. Symptoms include fever, headache, and a general feeling of illness. Symptoms start within 4 to 12 hours after exposure.
In nonindustrial buildings, humidifier fever occurs as a consequence of humidifiers or other types of ventilation units serving as a reservoir for the growth of bacteria or fungi and as a method of aerosolizing these contaminants. Humidifier fever is a type of inhalational fever. People with humidifier fever have a low-grade fever, malaise, cough, and shortness of breath. Improvement that occurs when exposure stops (for example, after a weekend away from the building) is often an indication of the cause. The condition starts abruptly and usually lasts a few days. Symptoms may be absent or subtle. Clusters of cases are common. The disorder can occur when the person is first exposed.
If symptoms persist, testing may be required to determine if infection or another condition is causing symptoms. Inhalational fevers are usually prevented by good maintenance of ventilation systems.
Nonspecific building-related illnesses
Nonspecific building-related illnesses are those for which a link between building-related exposure and illness is difficult to prove.
Illness may occur in a cluster or may affect only one person. The term sick building syndrome has been used to refer to illnesses that occur in clusters within a building, but this term is no longer favored by experts. The symptoms of building-related illnesses are often very general and may include the following:
Itchy, irritated, dry, or watery eyes
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Throat soreness or tightness
Dry itchy skin or unexplained rashes
Headache, lethargy, or difficulty concentrating
Some building-related factors, including higher building temperature, higher humidity, and poor ventilation, typically with a failure to incorporate sufficient fresh air from outdoors, appear to account for symptoms in some instances. Women, people with allergies, people who have increased sensitivity to body sensations or worry about the meaning of symptoms, and some people with anxiety or depression are more likely to experience building-related symptoms.
Diagnosis of Building-Related Illnesses
Sometimes tests of air quality or to identify airborne contaminants
Sampling to detect airborne organisms can be costly and time consuming, but if a specific building-related illness is suspected, it is sometimes necessary to document the source of contaminated air.
No specific clinical tests can be used to diagnose a nonspecific building-related illness. Testing the air quality of the building and finding high rates of symptoms among the building occupants can allow doctors to surmise that building-related factors may be causing the problems.
Treatment of Building-Related Illnesses
Treatment of fever
Reducing exposure to the building
With acute episodes of inhalational fever, the person should be removed from the contaminated environment and treatments are given if necessary to relieve symptoms. For example, drugs may be given to reduce fever or to treat asthma Drugs for Preventing and Treating Asthma Drugs allow most people with asthma to lead relatively normal lives. Most of the drugs used to treat an asthma attack can be used (often in lower doses) to prevent attacks. (See also Asthma... read more 
(such as bronchodilators, which open the airways). If symptoms are severe, people may need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation is use of a machine to aid the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Some people with respiratory failure need a mechanical ventilator (a machine that helps air get... read more .
Treatment of nonspecific building-related illness involves reducing exposure to the building or improving building ventilation and conditions. Depending on the illness, recovery may require a prolonged period of time.
